Compression garment

ABSTRACT

A garment having an upper portion, a midportion and a lower portion. The midportion is configured to extend about a torso section of the user. The midportion is constructed of compression material which provides localized support to the torso section of the user. The upper portion is positioned above the midportion and the lower portion is positioned below the midportion. When worn by a user, the upper portion and the lower portion maintain the midportion about the torso section of the user. The midportion supports the torso of the user which allows the user to move without significant restriction while providing postural control to the torso of the user.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an infant garment wearable by an infant, toddler or older child. In particular, the invention is directed to a garment which provides support to the torso and postural control of the infant, toddler or older child.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Every physical movement a person is able to perform is directly related to one's postural control controlled by their core muscles. Postural stability provides balance, breathing and trunk control, and strengthening. The most important time frame to refine postural stability is in the first ten years of life with the greatest advancements made in the first three years. Trunk control allows children with lower muscle tone and other disabilities, higher mobility and function of arms and legs. Those children that do not develop strong trunk control at a young age have less mobility of limbs later in life. Possible medical disabilities, but not limited to, that benefit from postural control would be: Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, hypothyroidism, oral motor disfunction, constipation, undiagnosed decreased tone, neurological problems, benign congenital hypotonia (low muscle tone), spina bifida, sleep disturbances, spine misalignment.

For example, one of the classic traits of Down Syndrome is low muscle tone. Many developmental delays are directly related to lower muscle tone. Lower muscle tone effects every single muscle in your body from toes, to core, to breathing and eating. It has been studied and proven that when a baby, toddler, child, adult has postural control/stability, so many other areas of the body are improved and strengthened. Some examples of strengthening and improvements, but not all, would include easier breathing, eating, sitting, standing, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, gait, etc.

There are currently infant systems which provide some localized postural control. However, these systems do not properly support the infant, are difficult to use and/or are expensive.

One example of a known system is the Wunzi infant system. The Wunzi infant system has garments that aid in both postural control and limb control. However, the garments are difficult to put on and take off, taking on average 6-12 minutes to put it on an infant. The garments are also uncomfortable and cumbersome to the child. In addition, these garments are not widely encouraged by therapists because it is very expensive.

Other examples of support garments include various belly, arm, and leg bands cut to size. For example, a large elastic band with loop and hook type fasteners on either end may be made to fit a number of abdominal sizes. However, these types of garments do not stay in place. They ride up around the chest or the loop and hook type fasteners gets caught on outer clothing, making it a nuisance to use. They also slightly restrict abdominal movement.

Compression t-shirts or compression vests made entirely of compression material may also be used. However, as the entire t-shirt is made of compression material, all of the upper areas of the infant/user, including the chest, abdomen, and upper pelvic area are compressed. This does little to support postural control, as the compression is not localized around the core, but around the entire upper body. Therapists do not want the chest compressed while trying to improve postural stability.

Plain stockinette material may also be used. However, the plain stockinette material not attached to any other material and may not stay in place. Consequently, plain stockinette material generally is beneficial for only a small amount of time, as it very quickly rolls either up or down and does not stay in place, making it not practical for long term use.

It would therefore be beneficial to provide a garment wearable by an infant or toddler which provides effective support to the torso of the infant/toddler while allowing for the infant/toddler to move comfortably.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a compression garment for a child to provide the child with postural control and/or stability to help the child's development. For example, one of the classic traits of Down Syndrome is low muscle tone. Many developmental delays are directly related to lower muscle tone. Lower muscle tone effects every single muscle in the body from toes, to core, to breathing and eating. It has been studied and proven that when a baby, toddler, child, adult has postural control/stability, many other areas of the body are improved and strengthened. Some examples of strengthening and improvements, but not all, would include easier breathing, eating, sitting, standing, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, gait, etc.

An embodiment is directed to a garment having an upper portion, a midportion and a lower portion. The midportion is configured to extend about a torso section of the user. The midportion is constructed of compression material which provides localized support to the torso section of the user. The upper portion is positioned above the midportion and the lower portion is positioned below the midportion. When worn by a user, the upper portion and the lower portion maintain the midportion about the torso section of the user. The midportion supports the torso of the user which allows the user to move without significant restriction while providing postural control to the torso of the user.

An embodiment is directed to a garment having a section of compression material, a first section of a first non-compression material and a second section of a second non-compression material. The compression material is configured to provide compression around the core of the body of the user. The first section of the first non-compression material is configured to engage an upper portion of the body of the user, above the core of the body, to maintain the garment in position on the user. The second section of the second non-compression material is configured to engage a lower portion of the body of the user, below the core of the body, to maintain the garment in position on the user. When worn by a user, the section of compression material of the garment provides localized compression for postural control only around the core of the body, which enables the user to move freely with stability/balance while helping to strengthen muscles throughout the body.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the illustrative embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an illustrative embodiment of a garment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective back view of the garment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the garment of FIG. 1 as worn by an infant.

FIG. 4 is a back perspective view of the garment of FIG. 1 as worn by an infant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the preferred embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features, the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an illustrative embodiment of a garment 10 is shown. In the illustrative embodiment, the garment 10 is formed as a unisex one-piece article of clothing commonly referred to as a onesie, however, other type of garments, such as sleepers may be made without departing from the invention. For example, garments made for older children or adults may also be beneficial.

The garment 10 is designed to cover the torso of an infant or child 12, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Particularly with special needs children, the type of garment 10 described herein, can be used for longer periods of time as compared to children without special needs. Consequently, the garment can be made in many sizes, including, but not limited to in the range of sizes from preemie to age 14 and possibly adult.

The garment 10 has an envelope neck opening 14 to allow for easy placement around the head and a pair of arm holes or openings 16. The neck opening 14 and the arm openings 16 are provided in an upper portion 18 of the garment 10. A midportion 20 extends from the upper portion 18. A lower portion 24 extends from the midportion 20 to the crotch area of the infant 12. The midportion 20 is attached to the upper portion 18 and the lower portion 24 by sewing or other known methods at seams 22. In various illustrative embodiments, the seams 22 may be reinforced and completely encased, as shown in FIG. 4, to provide strength and longevity. In addition, an encased seam provides a smooth, non-irritant surface against the user's skin.

In the illustrative embodiment, a bottom flap 26 (FIG. 1) is provided to extend across the crotch area of the infant 12. One or more mating fastening elements 28, such as for instance buttons, reinforced snaps or hook-and-loop pieces, are positioned on the bottom flap 26 to allow a caregiver to easily change the infant's or child's diapers. When the mating fasteners 28 are snapped together around the legs and crotch of the infant or child 12, a pair of openings 30 for the legs is formed; the openings 30, are adapted to fit snugly and comfortably about the child's legs to keep the lower portion of the garment 10 in place around the legs.

The neck opening 14 and the arm openings 16 keep the upper portion 18 of the garment in place around the shoulders of the infant 12 when the garment 10 is positioned on the infant 12. The bottom flap 26 and the leg openings 30 keep the lower portion 24 in place around the crotch and legs of the infant 12. With the upper portion 18 and the lower portion 24 properly positioned and maintained in position, the midportion 20 is also properly positioned and maintained in position, as will be more fully described.

In various embodiment, the garment 10 may have long sleeves, short sleeves or no sleeves around the arm holes 16. The garment 10 may also have long pant legs, short pant legs or no pant legs around the leg openings 30. The particular configuration of the upper portion 18 and the lower portion 24 is dependent upon whether the garment 10 to be used for infants, toddlers or older children.

If desired, the garment may be decorated with a design, which can be silk-printed, appliqued or stamped on the garment. The garment 10 may also have a small opening (not shown) above the top seam or below the bottom seam to allow for feeding tube accessibility.

The midportion 20 of the garment is positioned to extend around the torso or core of the infant 12. The midportion 20 is constructed of compression material which is localized to the midportion 20 of the garment 10 and the torso of the infant or child 12. Such material includes, but is not limited to medical grade cotton and elastic stockinette tube of material. This is a breathable moisture wicking material that keeps the child comfortable when the compression onesie is worn under other clothing or on its own. Other types of compression material include elastic polyurethane fiber or fabric, nylon fiber or fabric and/or polyether-polyurea copolymer fiber or fabric, allow of which provide breathability and moisture wicking. In addition, a two way stretch compression material that would stretch in only two directions (left and right) or a four way stretch compression material that would stretch in four directions (left to right, up and down) may be used. The midportion 20 may also be constructed of more than one layer of material to provide the desired characteristics.

In different embodiments, the thicknesses/stiffness of the compression material may be varied to tailor the garment 10 to the needs of the infant or child 12. Additionally, the midportion 20 may include a harder back support sewn into the compression material if needed.

The material in the midportion 20 provides a gentle, breathable, moisture wicking compression around the core muscles of the torso measuring from the child's Xiphoid Process to the pelvis. There is no compression of chest, pelvis, or limbs, as the material of the midportion 20 does not extend over those parts of the body. The material of the midportion 20 provides compression to the torso of the infant or child 12 but does not restrict abdominal movements of the infant or child 12. The material of the midportion 20 can be stretched to slip over the head or up over the hips of the infant or child 12 and onto the body of the infant or child 12. In addition, the upper portion 18 of the garment 10, for example along the shoulder seam and the sleeve, may have one or more mating fastening elements, such as for instance buttons, reinforced snaps or hook-and-loop pieces to allow for a larger opening to allow the garment 10 to be more easily placed on the infant or child 12.

The material of the reminder of the garment 10, other than the material for the mid portion 20, can be made from made from any type of material used generally for garments, such as, but not limited to soft fabric comprised of natural or artificial fibers or a mixture thereof, or other type of non-compression material. The material of upper portion and the lower portion of the garment 10 may be the same or may be different.

The garment 10 can be left on the infant or child 12 during playtime and all hours at which the child is awake. In addition, the garment 10 can be worn on its own or under other clothing. The garment 10 is very lightweight and not cumbersome. The ease and flexibility of the garment 10 makes it unnoticeable under clothing.

In alternate embodiments, the garment 10 may include reinforced compression straps around the belly of the infant or child 12 to allow for more or less compression as needed. For example, one or two longer free “straps” could be sewn into the back of the garment 10 which may be made of the same or thicker elastic/compression material. To provide added compression, the straps would wrap around the front of the abdomen and attach with hook and loop fasteners to adjust the compression around the core of the infant or child 12.

When properly worn by the infant or child 12, the garment 10 provides gentle postural control only around the torso or the core of the body. This localized compression provides support that enables the infant or child 12 to move more freely and with stability/balance for hours, which helps produce the strengthening of muscles throughout other parts of the body, particularly the limbs. When the infant's or child's 12 core is more stable, the limbs do not have to compensate for balancing the body and are able to move more freely for everyday functional activities. The garment 10 also provides the benefits of, but not limited to, postural stability such as: relaxing the nervous system, security by improving body awareness, body in space awareness (proprioception), gross and fine motor skills, endurance, increased blood flow to brain, joints, extremities, and nerve fibers which produces greater development of muscle tissue and sensory input.

It is envisioned that the same principle of supporting the torso of a user can be used when making children or adult clothing. For those special needs children, older children or adults that do not need the snaps between the legs, the garment 10 can be adapted to a compression t-shirt with the same concept of localized compression between the Xiphoid process and the pelvis. It would not be an entire t-shirt made completely of compression material, but a t-shirt with free loose material around the chest, shoulders, and also the pelvic area. The only difference would be that there are no snaps between the legs. The way in which the t-shirt would stay down and not roll up could be reinforced with a thicker elastic or enough loose material to be tucked into pants, shorts, or a skirt.

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials and components and otherwise used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description or embodiments. 

1. A garment comprising; an upper portion, a midportion and a lower portion, the midportion being configured to extend about a torso section of the user, the midportion being constructed of compression material which provides localized support to the torso section of the user; the upper portion being positioned above the midportion and the lower portion being positioned below the midportion, wherein when worn by a user, the upper portion and the lower portion maintain the midportion about the torso section of the user; wherein the midportion supports the torso of the user which allows the user to move without significant restriction while providing postural control to the torso of the user.
 2. The garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the garment is formed as a unisex one-piece article of clothing for a child.
 3. The garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the garment comprises: a neck opening to allow for easy placement around the head; a pair of arm openings to keep the upper portion of the garment in place around the shoulders of the user; and a lower portion extending to the crotch area.
 4. The garment as recited in claim 3, wherein a bottom flap extends across the lower portion, one or more mating fastening elements are secured to the bottom flap.
 5. The garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the lower portion has a pair of leg openings.
 6. The garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the compression material of the midportion is a breathable moisture wicking material.
 7. The garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the compression material of the midportion is an elastic stockinette tube.
 8. The garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the compression material of the midportion is a two way stretch compression material that stretches in two directions.
 9. The garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the compression material of the midportion is a four way stretch compression material that stretches in four directions.
 10. The garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the midportion includes a harder back support sewn into the compression material.
 11. The garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the midportion extends from the Xiphoid Process to the pelvis of the user.
 12. The garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are made from fabric comprised of natural fibers, artificial fibers, or a mixture thereof.
 13. The garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the midportion of the garment includes reinforced compression straps to allow for more compression.
 14. A garment comprising: a section of compression material, the compression material configured to provide compression around the core of the body of the user; a first section of a first non-compression material, the first non-compression material configured to engage an upper portion of the body of the user, above the core of the body, to maintain the garment in position on the user; a second section of a second non-compression material, the second non-compression material configured to engage a lower portion of the body of the user, below the core of the body, to maintain the garment in position on the user; wherein, when worn by a user, the section of compression material of the garment provides localized compression for postural control only around the core of the body, which enables the user to move freely with stability/balance while helping to strengthen muscles throughout the body.
 15. The garment as recited in claim 14, wherein the first non-compression material and the second non-compression material are the same.
 16. The garment as recited in claim 14, wherein the garment is formed as a unisex one-piece article of clothing for a child, the garment comprises: a neck opening allowing for easy placement around the head; a pair of arm openings to keep the upper portion of the garment in place around the shoulders of the user; and a lower portion extending to the crotch area, the lower portion having a pair of leg openings.
 17. The garment as recited in claim 14, wherein the compression material is a breathable moisture wicking material.
 18. The garment as recited in claim 14, wherein the compression material is an elastic stockinette tube.
 19. The garment as recited in claim 14, wherein the compression material 4 is a two way stretch compression material that stretches in two directions.
 20. The garment as recited in claim 14, wherein the compression material is a four way stretch compression material that stretches in four directions. 